Winter Park City Talk

Happy 125th Anniversary Winter Park!

This week celebrates the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Winter Park. On Oct. 12, 1887, at 2 p.m., 125 years ago, many of Winter Park’s 613 residents gathered on the 2nd floor of Ergood Hall at the corner of Morse Boulevard and Park Avenue (now Penzeys Spices) to organize a municipal government, elect officers and incorporate the town of Winter Park. At that time, 102 voters were registered, 68 votes were needed to incorporate, and 73 voters were actually present. During that momentous meeting, a City Council and mayor form of government was adopted, Robert White, Jr., was elected as mayor, Alex Earl as the town marshall, and the following aldermen:

• James Capen

• John Mizell

• RR Thayer

• John Diffenderfer

• Walter Simpson

• Frank Israel

• Henry Chubb

On Friday, Oct. 12, the community will gather at that very same place, time and date, just 125 years later, to commemorate that significant meeting. The decisions made 125 years ago have truly shaped our community and set the solid foundation for what Winter Park has become. I invite you to join us at this Ergood Hall Incorporation meeting and the many other special events to celebrate the city’s 125th anniversary:

FRIDAY, OCT. 12

• 125th Anniversary Prayer Service

• 9 a.m. prayer service; First Congregational Church of Winter Park, 225 S. Interlachen Ave.

• 1887 Ergood Hall Incorporation Meeting

• 2 p.m.; corner of Morse Boulevard and Park Avenue.

• Winter Park Historical Association’s Peacock Ball

• 5:30 – 10 p.m.; Central Park West Meadow

SATURDAY, OCT. 13

• 39th annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival

• 11 a.m. cake-cutting; Central Park

SATURDAY, OCT. 20

• Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week Runway Show

• 6 p.m.; Central Park West Meadow

For additional information, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/125 or call 407-599-3428.

Oct. 8 City Commission meeting highlights

There was a City Commission meeting Oct. 8. Below are a few highlights of decisions made:

Mayor’s Report

• Proclamations were presented recognizing the city’s 125th anniversary and Public Power Week.

• Purchasing Division presented their Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award.

Consent Agenda

• The minutes of Sept. 24 were approved.

• The various purchases and contracts were approved with a modification.

• The city manager was authorized, in consultation with the city attorney, to sign purchase orders related to HIDTA.

• The interlocal agreement with Orange County regarding the reimbursement for Phase II of the Minnesota Avenue drainage design project was approved.

Action Items Requiring Discussion

• The strategic plan discussion was tabled.

• The Notice of Intent to Dispose of property at 845 W. New England Ave. was approved.

Public Hearings

• The ordinances related to Rex-Tibbs Construction Co. Inc. for the property at 271 N. Pennsylvania Ave. were approved.

• The ordinances related to Winter Park Town Center Development, LLC, for the property located at 940 W. Canton Ave. were approved.

• The waiver of the one-year time period for reapplication for Comprehensive Plan/Rezoning at 861 W. Canton Ave. was approved.

A full copy of the Oct. 8 Commission minutes will be available at cityofwinterpark.org the week of Oct. 22, pending Commission approval.

Calling all Winter Park Veterans

On Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., the city will be presenting its second annual Veterans Day Celebration. This event will be held in honor of all of the veterans of Winter Park at the Winter Park Community Center Ruby Ball Amphitheater located at 721 W. New England Ave.

We are calling all veterans that have served in any military campaign (World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom or Afghanistan) or have served in any military branch in honor of our nation’s freedom.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be entertaining guests as they visit with organizations and services that offer resources specifically for veteran needs. At 10 a.m., the official program will begin with musical tributes, anecdotal speakers and recognition of veterans according to the various military branches and campaigns served. For more information, please call 407-599-3428.

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